Head of Data Platform

Arch Insurance; Greater London; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Arch Insurance is seeking a Head of Data Platform with end-to-end ownership of the data estate and delivery of strategic portfolio changes. The role leads large data programmes and collaborates with business, Change Management, and external vendors to ensure timely, high-quality delivery aligned with technical standards.

The incumbent will oversee the data platform, drive governance, and ensure robust SDLC processes, delivering value through data-driven strategies and modern technologies.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of delivering data programmes in the Insurance space.
• Bachelor's degree and 10–15 years of related experience in software development, architecture design, project management and business analysis.
• Significant management experience.
• Experience in financial services, specifically insurance, is highly beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery of strategic data programmes, ensuring scope, budget and quality are met.
• Work with Data Governance, business and vendors to drive roadmap and change.
• Monitor progress and report updates to senior management.
• Ensure compliance with policies and best practices throughout the lifecycle.
• Oversee resourcing and vendor partnerships for cross-functional needs.
• Align deliveries with strategic vision and budgets.
• Oversee development of data systems/technologies and SDLC governance.
• Collaborate across levels to support data-driven business improvements.

Skills

Snowflake

Relational Databases

Python

Power BI

SQL

Data Governance

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Program Delivery

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Snowflake

Oracle

SQL Server

PostgreSQL

Job description

The Head of Data Platform has end-to-end view and ownership of the existing Data estate coupled with ownership for delivery of strategic portfolio change. Arch is embarking on a large data transformation and requires an experienced Delivery Lead who has experience delivering large data programmes. The incumbent will liaise closely with Business, Change Management, 3rd Parties to ensure the delivery of key programmes. They will ensure that the deliverables of the programme are delivered on time, to the right quality and with the appropriate technical and engineering standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery of strategic data programmes, ensuring adherence to defined scope, budget, and quality standards.
• Work closely with Data Governance, Business and key stakeholders to drive the programme and roadmap of change.
• Monitor delivery progress, identifying and mitigating risks and issues as they arise. Prepare and present updates and reports to senior management and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and best practices throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee appropriate resourcing, identifying key requirements needed from cross-functional teams and external vendors; sourcing and managing appropriate vendor partners.
• Ensuring deliveries align with the strategic vision and roadmap.
• Ensures compliance between business strategies, enterprise transformation activities and technology directions, setting strategies, policies, standards and practices.
• Responsible for effective and timely development of new and/or enhanced systems/technologies.
• Monitor all aspects of the Software Development Lifecycle and Production Support service levels, ensuring high-level technical support is provided for data-related technologies.
• Work closely with customers, other IT managers, and management to identify and maximize opportunities to use technology to improve business processes, particularly in data management.
• Prepares business cases, including financial analyses of potential new technologies/systems/applications.
• Evaluates based on company strategic needs and resource availability.
• Oversees business analysis, development work and quality assurance of projects for assigned systems/technologies.
• Collaborates effectively at all levels to prepare strategic plans.
• Ensures system requests tie into objectives of the company strategy map and budgets.
• Contributes to the development of information technology development standards, policies, processes and procedures to ensure consistent compatibility and integration throughout the company.
• Continuously review the technology needs of supported business functions/processes relative to new technological developments and trends, keeping abreast of the industry and emerging data technologies.
• Participates in vendor/strategic partner evaluations and monitors the relationship on an ongoing basis.
• Prepares/manages department budget: P&L forecasting, operational/capital expenditures, contract negotiations and invoice processing.
• Leads and manages team to accomplish objectives through effective recruitment & selection, training & development, performance management and rewards & recognition.

Role Requirements

Skills / Competencies

• Extensive knowledge of modern databases technologies, Snowflake and relational (such as Oracle, SQL Server and PostgreSQL)
• Broad knowledge of software development techniques, processes, methods and best practices.
• Proficiency with various programming languages.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide teams towards successful project delivery.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging effectively with stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive and solution-oriented, with a keen ability to identify and resolve issues promptly.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational skills, with a focus on detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of application test automation products, processes, and best practices Proven experience and strong understanding of Agile development and conventional method and its application to company technology needs.
• Strong strategic decision making & long-term planning abilities to manage resources and develop efficient and effective solutions to diverse and complex business problems.
• Good general business acumen.
• Experience with Insurance / Reinsurance Systems and Data.
• Knowledge of technologies such as Python, PowerBI.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven track record of delivering data programmes in the Insurance space.
• Required knowledge & skills would typically be acquired through a bachelor’s degree and 10 to 15 years of related experience in software development & architecture design, including project management and business analysis.
• Significant management experience would typically be required.
• Prior experience in financial services, specifically insurance would be highly beneficial.